RecycleBox is being introduced to provide a national solution for those items that are not collected by local councils or other waste companies. Compostable packaging is an example of this, as it should not be placed in mixed recycling.
Lucy Frankel, Vegware’s environmental and communications director, said: “Over two dozen UK facilities accept our compostable products, and trade collections for used Vegware now cover 38% of UK postcodes, up from 2% in 2012 when we started working with the waste sector.
“We introduced First Mile to a facility who had tested and approved Vegware products in their process, and see RecycleBox as an innovative solution for individuals and foodservice businesses throughout the UK.”
RecycleBox is a solution to help foodservice businesses overcome the logistical barriers associated with recycling. The RecycleBox can recycle coffee pods, coffee cups, toner cartridges, small electrical goods, clothing and mixed plastics.
Bruce Bratley, founder of First Mile, added: “There’s no doubt that the popularity of compostable packaging is on the increase as consumers look for an alternative to conventional plastic.
“However, the waste industry has been much slower to react, making it hard - and almost impossible in some locations - to ensure that used products end up in the correct facility to be recycled properly. With the help of our RecycleBox, Vegware customers across the country can now confidently and easily recycle their items.”